(BPT) – When at home, you’re probably relaxing, playing with the kids or tackling chores. What you aren’t likely doing is thinking about the air you’re breathing. Unfortunately, the reality is poor indoor air quality in residential spaces is a major problem.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission points to a growing body of scientific evidence that the air within homes can be more polluted than the outdoor air in large, industrialized cities. In fact, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside, regardless if the home is in rural or industrial areas.
While you can’t control the allergens and pollutants lurking outside, there are many ways to take action inside the home to improve your indoor air quality. From installing BEAM central vacuum systems to implementing smart moisture mitigation strategies, follow these four steps and breathe easier at home:
Step 1: Eliminate dust mites
Dust mites can be prevalent, especially in bedroom spaces. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bed covers in hot water that is at least 130 degrees F. to kill dust mites and remove allergens, notes the Mayo Clinic. If bedding can’t be washed in hot water, put items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 degrees F.
To further prevent mites in sleeping spaces, use dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows. If you have kids, don’t forget to wash stuffed animals regularly in order to sanitize.
Step 2: Vacuum smarter
One of the easiest things you can do to improve indoor air quality is to vacuum thoroughly and regularly on all levels. However, traditional vacuums are heavy and difficult to move to different floors. Furthermore, they can kick up more dust into the air than they are removing. Due to these concerns, many homeowners are considering the benefits of central vacuum systems.
For example, BEAM central vacuums remove air, dirt and dust vacuumed from the home, whereas conventional vacuums may filter dirt and dust but recirculate the same air via the exhaust back into the home. BEAM Central vacuum maintenance is easy because the units have a self-cleaning filter that helps improve air quality during the vacuuming process.
How do central vacuums work? These systems have one permanent, hidden power unit with inlets in walls throughout the home that attach to power hoses and accessories. BEAM central vacuum systems are engineered with motors that provide powerful suction for a deeper clean; however, with the power unit located away from the living area, the quiet hush of airflow is all you will hear.
Step 3: Freshen air wisely
Open windows aren’t always the best way to bring in fresh air. When pollen levels are high, the spores can come into a home and stick to every surface. On high-allergen days, refresh air and cool the home with fans or the air conditioner, and clean preferably with a central vacuum to maintain high indoor air quality.
As an additional line of defense against dust mite debris and allergens, you should use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter with your central furnace and air conditioning unit, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If that’s too costly, the EPA says filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) between 7 and 13 are likely to be nearly as effective as true HEPA filters at controlling most airborne indoor particles. No matter which you use, try to change the filter every three months.
Step 4: Mitigate moisture
Mold thrives in dark, damp climates, so it’s important to eliminate places for growth. To start, be aware of moisture levels throughout the home. Always use the bathroom exhaust fan to inhibit moisture buildup. Fix leaky faucets as quickly as possible and stay on top of maintenance for appliances like the refrigerator and air conditioner.
Additionally, consider using a dehumidifier to decrease the amount of moisture inside the home. This can be particularly important during rainy seasons or in basement or cellar spaces, if your home has them.
You can breathe easy with these four easy steps to better indoor air quality. To learn more about a healthy, clean home, visit www.buybeam.com.
Brandpoint – Free Online Content
http://www.youtube.com/v/q36OC4s-8_o?fs=1
* Indoor Air Quality Testing San Mateo County – Visit: http://a-1certifiedenvironmentalservices.com/ or CALL: 888-217-2719
Our Indoor Air Quality Testing Service Areas are: San Mateo County, South San Francisco, Portola Valley, Woodside, Hillsborough, Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colima, Millbrae, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and East Palo Alto.
A-1 Certified Environmental Services provides Independent Mold Inspection Services. Mold remediation is usually expensive. Pre-testing can confirm the existence of black mold and other toxic or non-toxic mold conditions. Allow us to determine if you truly have a real issue with mold. Mold treatment might not be required. We aren’t allied with any Mold Remediation or Removal Companies. We promise that our customers will get objective, non-bias analysis results!
Carl Gibbons has over 20 years know-how in the construction trade. Furthermore, Mr. Gibbons has provided extensive expert instruction in the study of microbial organisms.
Our other Services Include:
Air Quality Testing
Mold Testing
Environmental Testing
Environmental Services
Black Toxic Testing
Mold Inspection
Indoor Air Quality Testing
Allergen Testing
Chemical Testing
Lead Testing
Bacteria Testing
VOC Testing
Stain Identification
Carbon Dioxide Testing
Air Duct Cleaning
Air Vent Cleaning
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Commercial Air Duct Cleaning
Commercial Laundromat Dryer Cleaning
Tobacco Residue
Marijuana Residue
Methamphetamine Testing
Cocaine Detection
Water Testing
We analyze for the occurrence of high mold circumstances in your indoor environment. We also test for the occurrence of toxic mold in your indoor environment. The most important step in fixing a mold problem is to accurately classify and rectify the sources of dampness that allowed the mold to happen. So as to avoid mold from developing, it is imperative that moisture damaged spots be dried inside a one to two day period of time. If mold is an issue in the home, the mold must be cleaned up and the excess moisture removed.
For further details on Mold Testing and Air Quality Testing, see our most recent videos – Visit our YouTube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ProductReviews2Video
We are Experts in all Kinds of Independent Environmental Testing and we offer Certified
Results from Credited Labs.
Air Quality Testing assessment should be completed after mold treatment to show the mold has been completely cleared up – especially if you are selling your property
A-1 Environmental Services is your Clear Choice… for ALL your Testing Needs
We test Air Quality, Allergy or Mold conditions within your indoor environment.
Video production by: 30 Second Video Marketing
Indoor Air Quality Testing Service Areas are in: San Mateo County, South San Francisco, Portola Valley, Woodside, Hillsborough, Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colima, Millbrae, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, East Palo Alto and surrounding regions.
Call: 888-217-2719
All media (video clips and music) is licensed under the Video Blocks Royalty-Free License Agreement. Music and some stock video footage used with full permission and Licensed by Free Stock Music and Footage Firm, Inc. – End User License Agreement: http://www.freestockmusic.com/license-agreement/
Indoor Air Quality Testing San Mateo County
Indoor Air Quality Testing San Mateo County
Health & Vitality: the Way to Good Health
Start living a healthy life now: Here is your 7-day plan ==> Having sworn to yourself that you’ll go to the gym in the morning, how many times have you changed your mind after you woke up and did not feel like working out? We all have days when we lose our motivation to get […]
Science-based Suggestions for self-confidence
A recent study shows your perception of your own image has a profound effect on how you present yourself to the rest of the world. Those findings could be empowering since even small changes to your self-care routine can significantly boost your self-confidence. The study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found […]
5 ways to feel good while getting fit
(BPT) – Setting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If […]
When buying hearing aids: 6 essential things to know
(BPT) – Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t? Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception. In the past several months, […]
